Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) radiator fan question

[Tractorat]

My truck, when pulling my 19ft TT up a steep grade, starts to heat up a bit. Didnt used to do that when brand new. Ive cleaned off the gunk from the radiator (it just wasnt that bad) and it didnt help much.

Ive seen a couple of threads about the fan clutch, and now Im confused. I think I saw that, when cold, the fan blade should move freely. I think Ive also seen that it shouldnt (truck is an 02) The fan blade on my truck definitely has some resistance to it. I can move it, but I cant give it a shove and make it spin freely. Can someone set me straight as to how the fan blade (on an 02) is supposed to act when I try to spin it ?



Thanks,

TRat

 

[Cummins724]

My truck, when pulling my 19ft TT up a steep grade, starts to heat up a bit. Didnt used to do that when brand new. Ive cleaned off the gunk from the radiator (it just wasnt that bad) and it didnt help much.

Ive seen a couple of threads about the fan clutch, and now Im confused. I think I saw that, when cold, the fan blade should move freely. I think Ive also seen that it shouldnt (truck is an 02) The fan blade on my truck definitely has some resistance to it. I can move it, but I cant give it a shove and make it spin freely. Can someone set me straight as to how the fan blade (on an 02) is supposed to act when I try to spin it ?



Thanks,

TRat

Did you actually take the radiator out & pressure wash it? I cleaned mine & it didn't help..... pulled it out & cleaned it & it is running cool. You must pull them out to do it correctly. I bought a fan clutch & changed it, but it wasn't it... . then I pulled it out, pressure washed it & it is great. I have the clutch sitting here if you need one... . from a 99.

 

[ANG012]

Take your radiator out and clean out the fins and have a radiator shop pressure clean your radiator. Also heard that CLR was good for cleaning out the in side of your radiator?

 

[Ragain]

I pull my radiator out two times a year to power wash at the local car wash. Makes a HUGE difference in cooling abillity! You may not need to do this as often as I do @ 150,000 miles per year. Also, I pitched that problematic crankcase vent catch can. I have installed the Fleet-Guard case vent that drains the oil back into the oilpan. Now I don't get all that oil on the radiator. (available @ Cummins dealer)



The cooling fan clutch should have the resistance. Mine will freewheel 1/8 turn. Everyone says that is acceptable, but I think it is a bit stiff.

 

[WestTN]

As for that moving freely when cold, that is a sign the fan clutch is NOT good.

 

[Missouri Mule]

The fan should have some resistance when spun by hand.